You’re probably familiar, by now, with the many benefits of meditation, and are ready to start a practice. Way to go! Meditating is an extremely effective way to create change within yourself. According to Susan Scott Morales of AnnArbor.com, there are 3 things you must do to meditate.
1. Create the Environment. Susan tells us that, in order to achieve a state of meditation, we must create the proper environment – soothing, with few distractions. Perhaps a comfortable easy chair in your living room or a pillow on the floor in your bedroom. Create the proper ambience, wear comfortable clothing, and practice at the same time of the day each time.
2. Sit in a Comfortable Posture. Susan also explains that, although there are advantages to sitting cross-legged in the lotus position, it is not necessary. She simply says you should be seated upright and stay relaxed. Do whatever feels good to you.
3. Set an Intention. Why are you meditating? You may have an overall intention like stress reduction, but it helps to get specific. For example, to stop worrying about an exam, to relax your shoulders, to focus on the tightness in your chest to discover what’s bugging you. These are not expectations. Instead you are programming your mind to guide you where you want to go. It’s a set up for disappointment if you approach meditation thinking you want to see a full lotus blooming in your head like your friend experienced. Meditation, like dreaming, is highly individual.
She also writes that it’s okay to be flexible. If something isn’t working for you, change it. “There are no mistakes with meditation,” she says, “It is you being with yourself.”
Read Susan’s full article here. Do you have any tips for beginning meditators? Use the comment box below!
